A Legacy of Transformation and Innovation.

dsm-firmenich is the result of an historic merger between two industry giants: Royal DSM, founded in 1902 in the Netherlands, and Firmenich, established in 1895 in Switzerland. DSM evolved from coal mining to petrochemicals and eventually to life sciences, while Firmenich became a global leader in fragrance and flavor innovation. Their union in 2023 marked a turning point, creating a powerhouse in nutrition, health, and beauty with dual headquarters in Maastricht and Kaiseraugst 

Key milestones in this journey include:

• Firmenich is founded as a perfumery in 1895 by Philippe Chuit, a visionary scientist, and businessman Martin Naef (Geneva, Switzerland)

   

• DSM (Dutch State Mines) is founded in the Netherlands in 1902

   

• Two global leaders join forces in 2023 and includes the opening of a new R&D facility in Switzerland. 

• dsm-firmenich inaugurates a new dual HQ site in Maastricht, the Netherlands in 2024

   

• In 2025 dsm-firmenich achieved its target of 100% purchased renewable electricity

   

Guided by the mission to bring progress to life, dsm-firmenich blends the essential, the desirable, and the sustainable. Its core values—Shape the Future, Be a Force for Good, Own the Outcome, and Together with Customers—reflect a deep commitment to innovation, integrity, and collaboration. 

This philosophy translates into real-world impact: from algae-derived omega-3s to fortified rice, from the world’s biggest selection of UV filters in skin care to advanced biomaterial manufacturing, dsm-firmenich’s solutions aim to improve lives through sustainable efforts. 

Within this global enterprise, the Biomedical division stands out for its pioneering work in implantable medical devices and biomaterials. With over 150 years of combined scientific heritage and more than 30 years of experience in medical device co-development, the division offers:

• Customizable, medical-grade biomaterials

   

• 21 FDA Material Master Files supporting regulatory submissions

   

• MDSAP Certification

   

• ISO 13485-compliant quality system

   

With a global R&D team, as well as a deep expertise in human biomaterials interactions, the Biomedical division of dsm-firmenich plays a vital role in helping medical device manufacturers create solutions for complex medical challenges. This diverse expertise, particularly in orthopeadics, serves as the foundation for the innovations and insights explored throughout this blog.

Orthopedic Solutions: Innovation in Motion 

In orthopedics, dsm-firmenich delivers cutting-edge materials and technologies that support innovation across key therapeutic areas:

• Sports Medicine: Biostable, resorbable, and restorative solutions, enabling devices that help restore function to injured joints and allow patients to return to their active lifestyle.

   

• Trauma & Fusion: Biomaterials, manufacturing capability, and regulatory know-how to enable the development of advanced solutions for trauma, reconstruction, and spinal fusion.

Orthopedic biomaterials include:

• Ulteeva Purity™ high-strength fibers.

   

• Resorbable polymer molding and machining

   

• Customized collagen-based and extracellular matrix solutions

   

• Medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethanes

   

• Advanced bioceramics that enable and support bony healing.

   

• Implantable biomaterials that support delivery of APIs and biologics 

How We’re Shaping the Future of Orthopedics

dsm-firmenich is working to shape the future of orthopedics through the use of its extensive portfolio and is working to transform patient outcomes across sports medicine, joint reconstruction, and spinal care.

1. Motion Preservation in Sports Medicine 

dsm-firmenich has developed advanced biomaterials that support motion preservation in devices that aim to restore patient quality of life. A recent example is the world’s first osteoconductive fabric braid that has translated to application in novel osteoconductive all suture anchors.

2. Joint Reconstruction with Enhanced Longevity

In joint reconstruction, dsm-firmenich has enabled one of our partners to bring an innovative device to the market, through multiple challenges including scale-up, supply chain management, and supporting providing expert services support throughout.

• Application: alternative restoration treatment for ACL tears, designed to meet the demands of younger patients.

   

• Impact: first innovative biologic treatment for ACL tears in years, first technology to clinically demonstrate restoration of the ACL, and the first treatment with potential to change the standard of care for ACL injuries[i].

   

• Innovation: for this opportunity, the partner faced a major challenge to properly scale a complex natural-materials-based process from lab scale to commercial scale while maintaining compliance and cost effectiveness within applicable quality and regulatory requirements.

   

Driving Global Change Through Innovation and Impact

Beyond its contributions to orthopedic science, dsm-firmenich is also actively driving global change through its sustainability and social impact initiatives. The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation leads efforts in:

• Malnutrition: Partnering with the World Food Programme to close micronutrient gaps and improve global nutrition.

   

• Community Resilience: Collaborating with UNICEF to strengthen child protection systems.

   

• Ecosystem Restoration: Supporting biodiversity and climate action initiatives.

   

These initiatives reflect the company’s broader sustainability strategy, including ambitious goals like achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 and carbon positivity by 2030.

Strategic Growth and Innovation

Looking ahead, dsm-firmenich is focused on strategic growth through:

• Prioritizing high-growth segments in nutrition, health, and beauty.

   

• Leveraging deep consumer insights and technical expertise.

   

• Accelerating innovation through distinct platforms and sustainable ingredients.

   

Their vision is to become a Category of One: a unique partner in creation and innovation, driving long-term growth and global impact.

The mission of ATiO is to accelerate the development of advanced therapies in orthopedics by bridging the gap between science, clinical practice, and industry. Through a global network of researchers, clinicians, and business leaders, ATiO fosters innovation that improves patient outcomes.

dsm-firmenich shares this vision through its commitment to restorative healing, biomaterial innovation, and collaborative development. With over 30 years of experience in medical device co-development and a portfolio of FDA-supported biomaterials, dsm-firmenich is a natural ally in ATiO’s mission—bringing cutting-edge solutions to market efficiently and making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

As the orthopedic landscape continues to evolve, collaboration between science, industry, and clinical practice becomes more critical than ever. dsm-firmenich stands at the forefront of this transformation—driving innovation not only through advanced biomaterials and device co-development, but also through a deep commitment to global health, sustainability, and strategic growth. 

Together with organizations like ATiO, dsm-firmenich is helping to shape a future where orthopedic therapies are more effective, accessible, and impactful—ultimately improving the lives of millions of patients around the world.